Papley nears return to senior AFL football

Injured small forward Tom Papley is closing in on a return to senior AFL football. The top goal kicker for the Swans in the 2016 finals series, has been sorely missed in the first 2 rounds, with the Swans going winless in both games.

Having rejoined senior football training on Monday, he’s one step closer to his return. Head of football Tom Harley said that the 20 year old was now available for selection, having been taken off the long term injury list.

“Tom is back to full training which is really pleasing,” Harley told the HCF Injury Update.

“He is available for selection given he is off the long-term injury list and needs some conditioning training now.

“The NEAFL don’t have a game next week but he would be available for selection so we will sit down as a match committee to work out the best way to track his return to play.”

Can’t wait to get the little fella back out there. With Reid and Franklin kicking bags, we need more plays getting involved. It’ll take the pressure off the big fellas. It’ll be a significant boost to have him running around out there. It’ll be a surprise if he comes straight back in without having a touch in the NEAFL, having missed almost all of pre-season.